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Prominent figure in politics turns down FAMU President Johnson's chief of staff offer

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 6:50 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat
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Vince Evans Declines FAMU Chief of Staff Offer Amid Fresh Leadership Search

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) athletics community was left surprised yesterday when former player‑turned‑coach Vince Evans publicly declined an offer to serve as the university’s Chief of Staff, an offer that had been extended by Vice President of Athletics Marva Johnson. The decision, announced during a brief press conference on the campus, marks a turning point in the university’s search for a new senior leadership partner to support Athletic Director Karen Thompson in a period of growth and renewal.

The Offer and Its Context

Vice President Marva Johnson, who has been with FAMU’s athletic department for 12 years, had been quietly working to fill a vacancy created by the departure of former Chief of Staff Mark Rizzo two years ago. Rizzo had overseen the department’s expansion of scholarship offerings and the recent renovation of the football training complex. Johnson’s vision was to find a candidate with a deep knowledge of the FAMU system, strong ties to the student‑athlete community, and a track record of operational excellence.

When Johnson first approached Evans, a respected former defensive line coach for the Mules and a graduate of FAMU in 1994, she highlighted the role’s responsibilities: coordinating administrative operations, facilitating communication between coaches and the athletic director, and ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations. Evans, a 48‑year‑old former assistant coach with stints at the University of Texas and the University of Michigan, was praised for his leadership during his 15‑year tenure at FAMU, where he helped develop over 60 scholarship athletes.

Evans’ Response

In his statement, Evans thanked Johnson for her confidence in him, but clarified that his priorities had shifted. “I appreciate the trust that FAMU has placed in me and the respect that the administration and community have shown,” Evans said. “After much reflection, I have decided to focus on my consulting practice and on pursuing a personal project that aligns with my long‑term goals. While I remain deeply invested in the success of our student athletes, I do not feel that the Chief of Staff position is the right next step for me at this time.”

The press conference also provided the chance for Johnson to articulate her perspective. “We were very excited about the prospect of Vince returning to the campus in a new capacity,” she said. “We respect his decision and remain grateful for his contributions to FAMU over the past decade. We are committed to continuing the search for a qualified candidate who can help us move forward.”

A Wider Impact on FAMU Athletics

The decision has ripple effects across the department. FAMU has recently announced the hiring of a new assistant coach for the men's basketball team, a move that signals a broader reshaping of the athletic staff. The head football coach, Coach Michael Davis, who took over last year, has been in discussions with Johnson about potential new hires to reinforce his coaching staff. Evans’ choice has prompted the administration to consider whether a chief of staff could also serve as a bridge between the coaching staff and the university’s broader strategic initiatives.

The role’s responsibilities include overseeing compliance audits, coordinating with the university’s Office of Student Affairs, and serving as the primary liaison for external partners such as sponsors and alumni. In the absence of a chief of staff, Johnson has indicated that she will temporarily assume many of these duties herself, while the department seeks a suitable replacement.

Additional Information from Related Sources

The FAMU Athletics website’s announcement page includes a biography of Vince Evans, detailing his 1994 graduation and subsequent coaching career. Evans earned a master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Alabama in 1999 and has authored several articles on athlete development. His coaching résumé also lists a role as a defensive coordinator for the Arkansas State Bears, where he was named Coach of the Year in 2011.

Vice President Marva Johnson’s profile, accessible via the university’s leadership page, notes her educational background: a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina. She has been instrumental in launching the university’s first athlete‑scholarship fund and in negotiating a multi‑year partnership with a major sports apparel company.

A recent press release on the university’s news portal, titled “FAMU Athletics Department Commits to Growth and Innovation,” outlines the strategic objectives that Johnson and Athletic Director Thompson aim to pursue over the next five years. The plan includes expanding the university’s sports medicine research center, increasing the number of scholarships for women’s sports, and leveraging digital platforms to engage alumni and fans.

Looking Ahead

While the chief of staff vacancy remains open, the university’s leadership is confident in a quick turnaround. “We have a pipeline of qualified candidates,” Johnson assured reporters. “We remain committed to finding someone who embodies the spirit of FAMU and who can help us elevate our athletic programs.”

For now, the campus community continues to support Vince Evans in his new endeavors. His legacy as a coach and mentor remains etched in the hearts of countless student athletes who benefited from his guidance. As FAMU moves forward, the administration’s focus remains firmly on fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and community engagement—values that Evans has championed throughout his distinguished career.